Mechanisms of platelet destruction in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: in vitro studies with canine platelets exposed to heterologous and isologous antiplatelet antibodies

Normal canine platelets coated with heterologous or isologous antiplatelet antibody were interacted with viable canine neutrophils in vitro. Platelet phagocytosis was assessed by detecting nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, measuring uptake of opsonised 51Cr-labelled platelets, and electron microscopy. The NBT reduction and uptake of 51Cr-labelled opsonised platelets were markedly increased. Electron microscopy revealed phagocytosis of antibody-coated platelets and their degradation intracellularly. Exposure of canine platelets to rabbit anti-canine platelet antibody in vitro produced morphological changes in platelets and caused serotonin release. Serotonin was not released in the absence of antiplatelet antibody or in the presence of normal rabbit gamma-globulin. Morphological changes in the platelets included disappearance of alpha and dense granules and exaggeration of the open canalicular system. These observations indicate that circulating platelets may be vulnerable to an antiplatelet antibody and that antibody-mediated phagocytosis of platelets is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.